barox promotes high-security for video networks

barox, the manufacturer of professional standard switches, media converters and IP extenders specifically designed for video applications, is promoting sophisticated personalised encryption techniques to provide important safeguards for protecting sensitive data networks.

In the age of the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0, companies are increasingly relying on IP security to protect themselves from cyber attacks. However, when video technicians log onto video switch servers with their PC or laptop, it is possible for cyber criminals to quickly catch the password. In many cases, the communication between server and browser is insufficiently encrypted. In order to lock this gateway, dedicated video switch manufacturer barox, has come up with a solution, double encryption that transforms video into a high-security barrier.

The first security measure employed by barox is the introduction of Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), an established high-end transport encryption that is also used to protect online banking registration. barox uses HTTPS to encrypt the password on the way from the user’s browser to the server of the switch.

barox do not rely on this barrier alone. To provide professional protection against phishing and man-in-the-middle attacks, an additional level of security is required. Using personalised encryption, barox instil an additional security feature for video browsers that offer double security.

The video network manager creates individual certificates for employees, a kind of security key in the form of a Privacy Enhanced Mail (.PEM) file, which is stored on employees’ computers. In addition to the pure certificate, this format can also include root CAs, intermediate certificates and private keys, to ensure maximum security.

When logging into the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the Video Switch server, employees simply enter their password. The system then automatically matches the .PEM file with a copy stored on the server. If both keys are identical, access to the switch is released, whereas remote access via the Internet is excluded.

Only through the combination of a password protected by HTTPS and the personalised authentication key can employees access the video network. This combination is easy to handle in the day-to-day business environment and makes it virtually impossible for hackers to gain access to the network.

“As a dedicated switch manufacturer for the video sector, in the age of growing cybercrime, we take our responsibility to enhance the network security of our customers seriously,” explained Dieter Hiestand, a graduate in audio and video electronics, and Product Manager at barox. “With the personalised encryption technology used in the barox range of RY Switch Series, we’re offering our customers an additional security measure that makes unauthorised access impossible. Users of this powerful technology include automotive manufacturers, prisons, and operators of motorway and tunnel systems.”

The barox RY Series switches with Device Management System (DMS), a practical and useful management tool that is extremely popular with video network installers. Via a GUI, the user can survey the entire network topology including all switches, end devices and newly connected cameras, with IP addresses automatically recognised by the system. Providing additional network flexibility, data transmission and power supply are via Power over Ethernet (PoE), with up to 60 watts power per port.